Enhancing Resilient Park Access in Toledo, Ohio — Episode 125

As you may have learned on our last episode, NRPA’s Resilient
Park Access program supports the advancement of community-driven,
systems-level strategies for equitable park access that improve
the environmental resilience and health of communities.


The grant funding also provides ongoing peer learning and
coaching, professional development and access to networks of
like-minded park and recreation professionals throughout the
country. Six park and recreation agencies from across the country
received this grant, and funding for each project is made
possible by support from The JPB Foundation. 


One agency that is learning from NRPA's grantee cohort and
resources and working to advance equitable access and resilient
systems change is the Department of Parks and Recreation in
Toledo, Ohio. Toledo is in a moment of transition and
opportunity. The department is capitalizing on this moment to
prioritize community and equity in their plans to build more
parks. Not only that, but they are also building community
ownership and stewardship of these spaces, connecting children to
nature through nature play amenities, and diversifying the
department’s funding to make it more resilient into the
future.  


I’m thrilled to be joined today by Karen Ranney Wolkins, the
commissioner for City of Toledo Department of Parks and
Recreation and Community Enrichment. Tune in to our full
conversation below to learn more about this project and how
learning from NRPA’s Resilient Park Access program is helping
make it possible. You’ll also learn:


How this project is addressing inequities in Toledo and will
enhance park equity and access to nature

How City of Toledo is partnering with community-based
organizations to support programming

How the city is engaging community members and ensuring they
are part of this process

How City of Toledo is diversifying funding to make this
project a reality

How the city is measuring success and much more!